As reported by the Austin Monitor, while Austin, Texas, is a "youthful city," it's getting older, with its 65 to 74-year-old population representing the fastest-growing age bracket from 2010 to 2020.
As Austin gets "older," the number of its senior residents at risk of infectious diseases, including pneumonia, also grows higher. Aging, after all, causes "immunosenescence," or the age-related decline in a person's immune system. With it comes increased susceptibility to pathogens, "germs" or microorganisms like bacteria and viruses that cause infections.
Fortunately, immunization shots, including pneumonia vaccines for seniors, are available. With these inoculations, older adults can lower their risk of acquiring this lung infection.
So, join us today here at Conservatory at North Austin, our senior living community in Austin, TX, as we share insights and senior health tips in this older adult vaccine guide.
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the alveoli, which are air sacs in the lungs, to become inflamed. The infection results in the sacs filling up with pus or fluid.
When the alveoli are full of pus or fluids, the inhaled oxygen will have a harder time getting into the bloodstream. People with pneumonia often experience shortness of breath, coughing (usually with mucus), and chest pains as a result.
Other signs and symptoms include:
The risk of getting pneumonia and more severe complications increases with age. The increased risk has to do with how older adults have weakened immune systems and often have chronic medical conditions. The American Lung Association even notes that, every year, this lung condition takes the lives of tens of thousands of people in the U.S., many of whom are adults older than 65.
Pneumonia vaccines typically refer to biological preparations called "pneumococcal vaccines." Pneumococcal vaccines provide specific protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as "pneumococcus").
Pneumococcus is the name of the bacteria that cause many different types of pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia. It can also cause other forms of infectious diseases, such as meningitis (an infection of the brain's and spinal cord's meninges or protective lining) and otitis media, an ear infection that can cause hearing loss and ear pain.
Pneumonia isn't bacteria-specific, though; it can also result from infections caused by viruses. The good news is that several vaccines are available to help seniors reduce their risk of acquiring pneumonia, whether due to pneumococcus or viruses.
Pneumococcal vaccines specifically target pneumococcus.
According to the U.S. CDC, there are two types of pneumococcal vaccines used in the United States. There are the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15, 20, and 21) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Adults 50 or older can get any PCV, but if administered with PCV15, they may need an additional PPSV23 dose one year later, as needed.
The number (i.e., 15, 20, 21, and 23) in the name of the vaccine refers to the number of strains of pneumococcal bacteria that the shot protects against. PCV15 protects against 15 strains, while PPSV23 protects against 23 strains.
Influenza (flu) is an illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause pneumonia as a possible complication.
Like pneumonia, the risk of getting the flu increases with aging and immunity decline. Fortunately, seniors in Austin, TX, can get flu and pneumonia shots together.
Studies have consistently shown that flu vaccines are effective in preventing influenza and reducing the risk of its severity and complications. An article published by Arizona State University in February 2025 reported that a study conducted on the 2023-2024 flu vaccine found that it reduced flu risk by 37% in people 65 and older.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19, can also cause pneumonia. It can infect the lungs, causing them to become inflamed and filled with fluid.
COVID-19 vaccines can help prevent COVID-19 and also minimize the risk of developing pneumonia as a complication. The findings of a recent study published in the journal ScienceDirect support this, with the researchers saying that second and third doses of mRNA vaccines prevent COVID-19-related pneumonia, regardless of the virus's variants.
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. It's a common virus that causes infections in the:
RSV symptoms are very similar to those of the common cold, flu, and COVID-19. The respiratory infection is also most active in the fall and winter, with the peak months being December and January.
Although most people infected with RSV experience mild to moderate symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, and runny nose), older adults are at a higher risk of having more severe illnesses. They can develop pneumonia or bronchiolitis (inflammation of the lungs' small airways) as a complication.
Seniors should therefore get RSV vaccines as a crucial step to infectious disease mitigation and preventative care in Austin, TX. Unlike the flu vaccine, which provides one year of protection (and therefore, has an annual recommended frequency), the RSV vaccine can last longer. The U.S. CDC says it can last for two years, at least.
Pneumonia vaccines for seniors can help lower the odds of infections and illness severity. Still, they don't provide 100% protection. The good news is that there are other healthy lifestyle habits older adults can practice to mitigate their risks further, one of which is proper hygiene.
Showering and hand washing can help remove germs on one's person. House cleaning can eliminate many pathogens on surfaces. Through these measures, seniors can prevent disease-causing microorganisms from spreading and causing diseases.
Pneumonia vaccines for seniors include those for pneumococcal bacteria and viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Combining these with healthy habits (e.g., handwashing, showering, and house cleaning) can help protect older adults from infectious diseases.
At Conservatory at North Austin, we're always happy and ready to help our senior residents live a healthier, maintenance-free lifestyle with our exclusive programs and attentive services. From professional housekeeping (including cleaning!) to culinary services that promote better health and immunity, expect all these amenities and more in our retirement village.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how our beautiful and welcoming independent living community in Austin, TX, can help you or your older loved one age gracefully and healthily!